15 Perfect Honeymoon Destinations In Southern And Eastern Africa

The beach, the bush, the mountains, desert, tropical forests and intimate islands — you really do have a great selection of places to visit in southern and eastern Africa for your honeymoon. Whether you are looking for adventure, a touristy holiday or quiet and secluded getaway, southern and eastern Africa has somewhere perfect for you. Here are 15 options for a romantic honeymoon.

Victoria Falls (Zest-pk / Flickr)

Victoria Falls (Zest-pk / Flickr)

Livingstone, Zambia

Livingstone, in Zambia, is quite a popular honeymoon destination. The main attraction being the beautiful Victoria Falls, an amazing site to share with your newly hitched partner. When you come down from your high of seeing the falls, you can enjoy a safari in the bush or get a bit adventurous with a kayak trip down the Zambezi River. There is plenty for you to get up to.

Zanzibar Island beach (Rod Waddington / Flickr)

Zanzibar Island beach (Rod Waddington / Flickr)

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Beaches, beaches and beaches. With glorious blue sea against golden sand, Zanzibar is your ultimate beach getaway. If you and your partner are looking for a few days of sun, sea and sand, then Zanzibar is perfect. You can also explore historical Stone Town, with its markets, colonial architecture, and interesting antique doors that can be spotted throughout the town.

giraffes

Shutterstock

Etosha National Park, Namibia

Namibia is a relatively quiet and somewhat off-the-radar country in Africa — ideal for escaping the crowds and having romantic solitude. It’s also one of the safest places on the continent, and malaria-free. There are great luxury safaris on offer in Etosha National Park that will let you take your time to experience Africa without a giant tourist group with you.

A mokora in the Okavango Delta (Athena Lao / Flickr)

A mokora in the Okavango Delta (Athena Lao / Flickr)

Okavango Delta, Botswana

Exploring the Okavango Delta is one of the most spectacular experiences that you can have in Africa. There are numerous lodges varying from luxury to basic that will put you in the middle of the action. Cruise through the channels of the delta in a mokoro (a traditional boat), go on game drives, horseback safaris, elephant back safaris and bush walks. If you want to truly appreciate wildlife and the raw open bush, then a honeymoon in one of the campsites around the Delta is a great idea.

Drakensburg Mountains (Dave Harcourt / Flickr)

Drakensberg Mountains (Dave Harcourt / Flickr)

Drakensberg, South Africa

The Drakensberg in South Africa is a wonderful destination to escape from everyday life and experience a laid back vibe. As newlyweds, you can choose a secluded mountain cottage to hide away in, and enjoy the feeling of being the only two people on Earth. Take early morning hikes together or indulge in some of the rich Zulu culture that is prominent in the area.

Mozambique

You will be spoilt for choice when looking for a spot to book your honeymoon on one of the Mozambican Islands. From Ponto de Ouro, to Inhambane, to Benguerra, you can’t go wrong with any of them. Depending on your preferences, you can choose a completely secluded island with nothing but you, your partner, your hotel and the beach — or you can go for a more commercial island with a bit of a party spirit.

Macadamias mpumalanga

Macadamia groves, Mpumalanga (Photo by Sarah Duff)

Mpumalanga, South Africa

Whether it’s staying on a macadamia farm, discovering wildlife, or discovering one of the province’s cozy small towns, Mpumalanga offers honeymooners fantastic options to get away from it all. One of the best places to stay is Summerfields Rose Retreat and Spa, where you can stay on the edge of the river and walk through a beautiful rose farm.

Mount Kenya, Kenya

As the highest mountain in Kenya and the second highest mountain in Africa after Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya makes a hikers dream destination for an African honeymoon. You can get breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains in the area, including nearby peaks such as Lenana. After the hiking adventure, Kenya offers tons of wildlife and nature opportunities to continue on your adventure.

La Motte, Franschoek (Brett Jones / Flickr)

La Motte, Franschoek (Brett Jones / Flickr)

Franschhoek, South Africa

If you and your partner have a love for good wine, then the winelands in South Africa will be your dream honeymoon. Franschhoek in the Western Cape is not only home to some of the country’s most spectacular wine farms, but it is also rather picturesque, to say the least. This quaint little town is the perfect base camp for a honeymoon of wine farm hopping. There are also wonderful restaurants to treat your foodie side, and beautiful scenery to enjoy sundowners together.

Lake Malawi (Erik Törner / Flickr)

Lake Malawi (Erik Törner / Flickr)

Lake Malawi, Malawi

Lake Malawi offers a romantic destination with a range of activities for all preferences. Many of the hotels in the area offer activities to keep you busy, and know exactly how to make you feel pampered and spoiled. With stunning scenery, you will be perfectly content sitting back in your hotel room and enjoying the view. Or you can venture out on a safari or beach activity.

Praslin Island (Fabio Achilli / Flickr)

Praslin Island (Fabio Achilli / Flickr)

Praslin Island, Seychelles

Praslin is a resort island in the Seychelles with lush vegetation and tropical beaches, making it the perfect honeymoon hideaway. Many hotels are situated right on the beach, affording the opportunity for an exotic yet luxurious honeymoon. It’s a quiet island with virtually untouched beaches, and absolutely spectacular views. The perfect place to indulge with your partner and enjoy each other’s company.

Great Rift Valley (VanDerFoto / Flickr)

Great Rift Valley (VanDerFoto / Flickr)

Great Rift Valley, Kenya

The Great Rift Valley in Kenya is abundant in nature — hundreds of species of birds, animals and beautiful bush. Enjoy the spectacular natural scenery on the doorstep of your hotel. Explore the attractions of cliffs, volcanoes, Hell’s Gate National Park and Crater Lake Game Sanctuary. 

Young gorilla at Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda (Shutterstock)

Young gorilla at Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda (Shutterstock)

Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

If it’s wildlife you’re after, then why not plan a honeymoon around a gorilla trek in Rwanda. Abercrombie & Kent offers a great safari in the area to get up close with the gorillas.

Damaraland, Namibia

Damaraland is one of the most scenic areas in Namibia. The dramatic desert planes will leave you amazed. Spend the day spotting animals on game drives then head back to your hotel for sundowners while relaxing in a rock pool. It’s nature at its finest, and the perfect honeymoon destination to spend time connecting with your loved one.

Eastern Cape, South Africa

If you want to splurge on a private safari, Eastern Cape has you covered. Check out someplace like Kwanwde Private Game Reserve, where you get your own personal butler and a custom menu served to you in the bush. Forget having other people around — you’ll get your own private vehicle and guide as well.

Want to discover the finer side of Africa? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.


Leave a Comment